JOIN USBagru is one of the most enchanting fabric traditions in India. Originating in the town of Bagru in Rajasthan, these prints form an essential part of the block printing industry of the state.
Essentially, bagru prints have ethnic floral patterns in natural colours, which are a striking part of the Rajasthani life and are found in the bustling bazaars and fairs. This vastity of textile is known for its exceptional quality and beautiful designs. Bagru craftsmen use traditional vegetable dyes to print the cloth, like the colour blue is made from indigo, green out of greens mixed with pomegranate, red from madder root and yellow from turmeric.
In the town of Bagru, printing has been recognised as a craft by generations of Chippa community craftsmen. This unique art of printing employs wooden or metallic blocks to create designs on fabrics. Floral designs, motifs of birds, figurative designs, human motifs and geometrical designs of leheriya, checks etc., are the major attributes of bagru prints. Different types of floral patterns are displayed in the form of bel (border) in a stylised manner. In some old prints, motifs of parrots and fish are also seen.
Motifs of elephants, horse, camel, peacock and human figures are also used on curtains, bedcovers, tablecloths etc.
Here at Bagru, the collection of gorgeous hand-block prints are made into various finished products. The cotton printed fabrics are popular because of their intricate print work, exceptional quality and durability. Such prints are widely used in contemporary as well as conventional garments.
Women of all ages prefer to wear bagru prints in the form of salwars, sarees, ghagaras and colourful blouses in attractive patterns. Bagru Dabu print sarees are supple and light as a feather, and known for their colourful designs and patterns.
Apart from these, bagru printed men’s shirts, turbans and especially veils are unique. They are found in a variety of patterns and vibrant designs. The colour combinations are unusual and brilliant.
But today, this exotic art of creation is facing threat due to various other materials available in the market. Therefore, it is essential that we encourage this art in the present context of environmental consciousness.